Excitement growing as Dungarvan prepares to host TuneFest 2025 this coming weekend

Excitement is growing ahead of TuneFest 2025 which takes place in Dungarvan this coming weekend.

Established just five years ago this growing festival is a gathering for musicians, singers, and dancers from across Ireland and beyond and an invitation to locals and visitors alike to immerse in the enjoyment of traditional Irish music.

Over the course of the weekend, the town will come alive with concerts, open-air performances, pub sessions, and workshops, offering something for everyone—from seasoned players to those simply drawn to the captivating power and heart of live traditional music. 

According to the organisers, the popular workshops which support aspiring trad musicians to improve their skills with expert tutors have now fully sold out, which gives a strong indication of the popularity of the festival, along with how bright the future is for the next generation of Irish traditional musical talent.

This year’s festival, which takes place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, welcomes a remarkable gathering of musicians, including the internationally acclaimed Cherish the Ladies, who will headline a very special concert to mark their 40th anniversary.

Known for their rousing live shows and trailblazing legacy as one of the foremost ensembles in Irish traditional music, this is a rare chance to see them live in Ireland—and advance booking is strongly advised to avoid disappointment.

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The line-up also features Danú, who are celebrating their 30th year, award-winning Scottish trad trio Talisk, and genre-defying ensemble The Rising.

TuneFest is more than just a series of performances—it’s a living, breathing celebration of the Irish tradition, where the best music is often found in the informal pub sessions that spill out onto the streets. At its core, TuneFest is about passing the music forward.

Grattan Square in the centre of Dungarvan will once again be the heart of the festival, with the outdoor gig rig hosting free performances, while the town's renowned pubs will welcome players from near and far for impromptu, spirited sessions.

On Saturday, June 21, at Ard Scoil na nDéise, aspiring musicians will have the opportunity to learn from some of the country’s finest players in workshops covering fiddle, concertina, whistle, banjo, accordion, and bodhrán. These workshops, which are sold out, will culminate in a tutor and student concert, offering a unique opportunity for participants to perform alongside their mentors.

Meanwhile, the town itself will be buzzing with youthful talent, as the festival’s busking competition invites young musicians to showcase their skills on the streets of Dungarvan, bringing their own energy and enthusiasm to the tradition. 

Donnchadh Gough, Clara Mannion, Sarah O'Gorman & Donal Clancy

TuneFest Dungarvan is driven by a dedicated voluntary committee, committed to celebrating and sustaining the town’s strong musical roots. Dungarvan and the surrounding areas of West Waterford have long been home to a thriving traditional music community, influenced by the nearby An Rinn Gaeltacht and an active Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann presence, ensuring that the festival remains authentic and deeply connected to the tradition.

Beyond the music, Dungarvan is a stunning location for a festival weekend, with its coastal charm, welcoming pubs, renowned restaurants, and the breathtaking Waterford Greenway, all making it an ideal destination for visitors to soak in the beauty of the town alongside the joy of the music.

Whether you’re settling in for an intimate session, joining the crowds at an open-air performance, or playing tunes late into the night, this is a weekend that captures the true spirit of Irish music.

Tickets for headline concerts, including the unmissable Cherish the Ladies 40th Anniversary show, are now available. For more details on tickets, workshops, and the full festival schedule, visit tunefest.ie.